10 Ways to Eat Granola (And How to Make Your Own)

Granola

Granola is a much-loved snack food among the health conscious and food lovers alike. The mouth-watering blend of sweet, dried fruits (and sometimes chocolate), salty nuts, and crunchy oats makes for a satisfying snack anytime of day. But there are endless possibilities of dressing up this healthy mix to make meals, desserts, and, yes, more snacks.

Ten Ways to Eat Granola

1) With Milk

2) With Yogurt

3) With Spoonfuls of Peanut Butter

4) Straight Out of the Bag

5) In a PB+Apple Sandwich

6) In Homemade Granola Bars

7) Coating a Honey-Covered Banana

8) In Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

9) In a Frozen Parfait-Type Treat

10) As a Fudge Topping

Today, there are hundreds of varieties of granola, featuring every combination of nuts, fruits, seeds, and sweets. Many come prepackaged, while other can be portioned out from the bulk food sections in grocery stores. Better still is the option to make your own granola, which is not only cost effective, but also healthier and tastier than the pre-made varieties. Making your own version is simple and allows you to include only your favorite ingredients. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients for Making Your Own Granola (recipe makes 6 cups):

4 cups rolled oats

1 cup wheat germ or oat bran

1/4 cup sesame or sunflower seeds

1/2 slivered or sliced almonds (or any nut you choose)

1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar

1 tablespoon olive or safflower oil

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup dried fruit

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 275o.

Combine the first four ingredients in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, mix the oil, syrup, and cinnamon, and pour over the mixed ingredients.